Living in LA: All the Fantastic Reasons to Move to Los Angeles
Did you know that Los Angeles is the second-largest city in the United States and the largest city in California? In addition, Los Angeles is growing at a rate of 0.05 percent per year.
There are many benefits of moving to Los Angeles, but is a move to Los Angeles right for you? If you’re considering this culturally diverse and dynamic city for your next home, keep reading and learn why you should in this guide to moving to Los Angeles.
Things to Do in Los Angeles
One of the significant advantages of living in Los Angeles is the variety of things to do here.
You will never be at a loss for things to do in Los Angeles. Whether you enjoy hitting the club at night or hikes during the day, Los Angeles has something for everyone.
We’ve compiled a list of a few of our favorite places that you’ll want to visit over and over again.
Griffith Park
For those that love the outdoors, Griffith Park is a great place to visit. Here you will find swimming, hiking, biking, running, and more.
Not quite convinced? Even if you’re not a fan of the great outdoors, Griffith Park has something for you. Griffith Observatory
The observatory has a unique architecture. It has also gotten a lot of cinematic exposure. Because of this, it’s one of the most famous landmarks you’ll find in Southern California.
It’s also the most visited public observatory in the world. This observatory sits 1,134 feet above sea level, and you can see it throughout most of Los Angeles.
It was built in 1935 and features planetarium shows, public telescopes, interactive scient, breathtaking views, space exhibits, and more. The cherry on top? Admission is free. Los Angeles Zoo
Looking for something to do with the kids? The Los Angeles Zoo is located within Griffith Park.
Spend the day wandering the zoo and seeing all the animals. You don’t even need to take kids if you don’t want to.
This zoo has over 1,200 animals and 7,500 plants it cares for. This makes it a great place to visit for animal and plant lovers. Travel Town Transportation Museum
Do you love trains? This museum in Griffith Park is the place for you.
This is an outdoor museum that recognizes and celebrates the impact railroads had in Southern California’s history. Here you will find actual freight and passenger cars, locomotives, cabooses, trolleys, and horse-drawn cars.
You can even pay to take a miniature train ride around the perimeter of the museum. Autry Museum of the American West
Yet another museum in Griffith Park, this museum looks at the history and mythical stories that shaped the American West.
Here you will see how native American, Western, Spanish colonial, pre-Hispanic, and Latino art bring the experiences and history of the American West to life. Greek Theatre
This outdoor theatre was built in 1929. It is one of the most historic entertainment venues in Los Angeles.
The stage has been graced by many big names in both entertainment and music. You can watch a show under the stars with amazing acoustics at this theatre. Hollywood Sign
The iconic Hollywood sign has several viewing points within Griffith Park. While this may feel less local and more touristy, it’s an experience you need to have at least once in your life. Flora and Fauna
There are over 150 different plant species recorded in Griffith Park. This includes wildflowers, ferns, vines, grasses, shrubs, and trees.
One tree only found in the Los Angeles area is the Southern California Black Walnut.
You may also get the opportunity to spot various animals that have made the park their home. This includes mule deer, mountain lions, bobcats, skunks, opossum, raccoons, coyotes, and gray foxes.
If insects are more your thing, you can find native insects that live within the park. This includes two butterflies that are do not occur in the surrounding area.
Within the park, you will also find lizards, snakes, and over 200 species of birds. There is no shortage of wildlife in this park for those who love the great outdoors.
La Brea Tar Pits Museum
The La Brea Tar Pits Museum has some of the best-preserved fossils in the world. For those who love dinosaurs and their history, this is the place to be.
This museum is a prehistoric experience in the heart of Los Angeles, and new discoveries are getting made every day. There are multiple ways you can experience the tar pits when you visit.
Catch a Live Recording
Do you have a show that records live that you love? If it records in Los Angeles, this could be your chance to catch a show.
Some shows you can even attend and watch get recorded for free. If you want to step into the entertainment side of Los Angeles, this is the perfect opportunity to get a peek at a little bit of the behind scenes action.
LA Dodgers, Lakers, and More
If baseball or basketball is more your scene, you have a few teams to choose from. You can cheer on the Dodgers at the Dodger Stadium.
Visit the Staples Center to cheer for the Lakers, Sparks, or Clippers.
You can also catch the Kings playing a hockey game at the Staples Center if that’s more your style.
The Nightlife
If you love the nightlife, Los Angeles will be right up your alley. Here you can find many rooftop bars to try. You’ll also be able to visit various clubs.
Beaches
We can’t discuss all the things you can do in Los Angeles without talking about the beaches. Whether you’re a surfer, want to go for an ocean swim, run on the beach, or just sit on the beach and listen to the waves crash against the shore with a book, the beach is the place for you.
If you’re looking for a beach that is not so crowded, check out some of the beaches that are hidden local secrets.
Whale Watching
If you’ve never seen a whale or dolphin in the wild, you have to go whale watching at least once. If you live in Los Angeles, you can go multiple times.
This is a relaxing daytime outing where you can enjoy nature up close. Be wise when choosing your tour company; some companies offer guarantees so you can come again if you don’t see anything.
The Day Trips
There are many places you can visit in California that are just a day’s trip away from Los Angeles. That’s one of the great things about living there; the possibilities are endless.
Joshua Tree National Park
One place you may want to visit often is Joshua Tree National Park.
This drive will take two to three hours, but the sights are worth it. Pack your tent and climbing gear and spend the weekend exploring this National Park.
Even if you’re not a climber, this is a great place to visit with stunning views.
Malibu
Malibu is about a 45-minute drive from Los Angeles, making it the perfect day trip. You can hit the beach, go surfing, visit the stores and restaurants, or go for a hike.
San Diego
San Diego is another excellent California adventure. From visiting Old Town to eating at local eateries such as Dan Diegos, a visit to San Diego is worth it.
Here’s the good news you can drive or catch the Pacific Surfliner Train. If you decide to drive, the drive is just over two hours.
Disneyland
Drive 30 minutes and visit the happiest place on earth. This day trip is great if you have kids, or if you’re a kid at heart.
You can find tons of attractions and things to eat on this day trip. It’s bound to be a day you remember for years to come.
Palm Springs
The drive to Palm Springs is just under two hours.
Palm Springs is a relaxing little resort town. The town is beautiful, with a ton of shops to wander around and unique restaurants and coffee shops.
You can see the stars on the ground. This is an excellent stop on the way to Joshua Tree or even as a day trip of its own.
The Music Scene
There are multiple places you can visit to be a part of the music scene in Los Angeles. If you move to Los Angeles, you will have the ability to build connections.
This is great if the music business is where you want to be.
Jam Nights
Throughout Los Angeles, you will find places that offer jam nights. These are nights where musicians can network and find touring and session work.
Even if you’re not there to find work, jam nights are a great place to wind down and relax.
Showcases
Showcases are offered by several places. This gives up-and-coming artists the opportunity to showcase their talent.
Some of the places that offer showcases are School Night, WFNM, and Breaking Sound.
Hot Spots
There are many places within Los Angeles that provide music, even if you’re just looking for entertainment. If you love going to the bar and listening to live music.
You are sure to find a place in Los Angeles. This city is bustling with opportunities for musicians and music lovers alike.
Places to Eat in Los Angeles
If you’re a foodie, you need to be in Los Angeles. As of 2018, Los Angeles boasted over 29,500 restaurants.
In a culturally diverse city, there are options for everyone.
Seafood
If you love Seafood, the options are endless in Los Angeles. Restaurants all over the city offer fresh seafood. Pick your poison and get to know what your favorite restaurant is.
If you have no clue where to start, check out some of these seafood restaurants in Los Angeles.
Grab Some Spice
Maybe seafood isn’t really your thing. That’s okay; it’s not for everyone. With Los Angeles being so close to Mexico, you will not be disappointed in the Mexican food you find here.
If you love Hispanic-inspired food, there are some great places to check out in Los Angeles.
One restaurant Habana even offers Cuban-inspired food. You’ll find a variety of authentic Hispanic foods throughout the Los Angeles area.
Be sure to hit up some local taco trucks and send your taste buds on a culinary journey.
Sushi
If you love sushi, you’ll love living in Los Angeles. There are many restaurants to choose from when it comes to sushi.
Sushi first became popular in Los Angeles in the 1960s and has continued to expand. No matter your budget, there’s a favorite sushi place somewhere in Los Angeles for you.
Ramen
Ramen in Los Angeles is a big thing. You will find Ramen bars all over Los Angeles. You’ll never view ramen the same way after you eat it in Los Angeles.
One of the more well-known places to grab ramen is in Little Tokyo at Daikokuya. There are also Ramen bars where you can mix and match your noodles with your favorite ingredients.
Burgers
Did you know that Los Angeles is known as the burger capital of the United States? McDonald’s and In-N-Out both began in Los Angeles. You will find many drive-thru burger places in Los Angeles.
However, you will also find burger shacks and elevated burgers too. If your favorite meal consists of fries, a burger, and a milkshake. Los Angeles is where you want to live for the many options.
Donuts
Of the many restaurants in Los Angeles, a large amount consists of donut shops. Who doesn’t like a good donut?
Donuts first came to California in 1975. A Cambodian refugee by the name of Ted Ngoy opened the first store that year. His shop was called Christy’s Donuts.
He then helped other Cambodian families start their own donut shops. Whether you like a classic Krispy Kreme or a fancier donut, you’re sure to find some mouthwatering delights in Los Angeles.
Gluten-Free
One of the great lures of big cities has to be the food options. However, for those that are gluten-free, it can often be challenging to find a meal that won’t make you sick.
In Los Angeles, this isn’t a problem. You can find many gluten-free restaurants in Los Angeles. Craving something sweet? You’ll also be able to find a variety of gluten-free bakeries.
Korean, Thai, and Chinese Food
If none of the options so far have you hungry, there’s more. You will find an array of Korean, Thai, and Chinese food restaurants in Los Angeles.
Within these restaurants, you will be able to find everything from comfortable classics to traditional dishes with a twist.
Food Trucks
There’s nothing better than a good food truck. In Los Angeles, there is a mid-city food truck corridor.
However, how do you pick the best food trucks? You don’t have to play Russian Roulette with your food truck choices.
You can find the food variety you love and pick a great food truck to visit.
Italian Food
If you’re on the hunt for some great Italian food. You’ll find it in Los Angeles.
Whether you’re looking for something a little more affordable or high-class, Los Angeles has it. Get ready for some great pasta at various restaurants across the city.
Famous Restaurants
There are many famous restaurants scattered throughout Los Angeles. If you want your restaurant to be as famous as the celebrities you might spot, then Los Angeles is a great choice.
These restaurants have earned their fame in a variety of ways, and each will delight your tastebuds with a unique experience.
Shopping in Los Angeles
If you’re a shopper, you won’t be disappointed in your choices while living in Los Angeles. Whether you like frequenting mom-and-pop stores or famous chains, you’ll find it in Los Angeles.
The options listed below are just a few of the many available in Los Angeles. If you move to Los Angeles, these are the type of shopping areas you’ll have the ability to frequent often.
Pop-Up Shops
Have you ever been to a pop-up shop? These shops are time-limited, and they have a particular goal in mind.
If you have been to a pop-up shop and loved it, they’re one of the excellent reasons to move to Los Angeles. In Los Angeles, you’ll find an array of unique pop-up shops to browse and buy from.
Robertson Blvd
Head to West Hollywood and get your shopping game on here. You will find clothes, Starbucks, and other great options.
If you love fashionable shopping experiences, then you’ll find it there.
The Grove
Do you enjoy outdoor shopping? If you move to Los Angeles, you can visit The Grove frequently.
This outdoor shopping area features stores that include Nike, Sephora, Nordstrom, Topshop, Banana Republic, and more. You can shop, take a walk, catch an event, or ride on the trolley.
Whether you make a purchase or not, you’ll enjoy the time spent at The Grove.
Melrose Avenue
This area features a ton of boutiques you’ll love. There are many stores you can visit.
However, they have one thing in common; you’re bound to find something truly unique. You’ll also find a store called Crossroads Trading Co. here.
At this store, you can buy and trade clothing. If you love vintage shops, you want to check this store out frequently when living in Los Angeles.
Rodeo Drive
Rodeo drive is probably one of the most famous shopping areas in Los Angeles. This area is not only fun to shop in but to wander around and explore and window shop.
The stores here are more high-end, so if you’re on a budget, window shopping might be the activity of the day for you when visiting Rodeo Drive. Who knows, maybe you’ll get inspired and find the pieces you need to create the same look from another more budget-friendly store.
Fashion District
Speaking of clothes on a budget, the Fashion District is a great place to shop when you’re on a budget. There’s a lot of shopping in this interest for wholesale businesses.
However, don’t let that deter you; a lot of retail shoppers find their way too and can get some great clothes at discounted prices.
The Weather
We can’t talk about the reasons to live in Los Angeles without talking about the weather. During the height of summer, you’ll see temperatures that, on average, get up to around 85 degrees.
For the rest of the year, the temperatures range from the 60s to the 70s. You’ll rarely see those super cold days in Los Angeles.
If you hate winters that chill you to the bone and summers that leave you in a puddle of sweat, moving to Los Angeles is a perfect choice for you. If you miss the snow, you can always drive up a nearby mountain for a change of pace.
Schools in Los Angeles
Like many cities, the schools in Los Angeles are dependent on the school district you live in. However, if you don’t like the schools in your neighborhood, there are over 1,000 private schools in Los Angeles for kids to enroll in.
As your kids enter high school, their options continue to expand with Arts schools, STEM schools, and other magnet schools that will uniquely prepare your child for the future.
With thousands of schools in the Los Angeles area, both private and public, finding the right school for your child is possible.
Colleges in Los Angeles
There are some pretty exceptional colleges in Los Angeles. These colleges include Cal-Tech, UCLA, and USC.
While you might not be ready to head off to college, all of these schools also hold extension classes if you love to learn. There are also community colleges in the Los Angeles areas that you can take classes at if you want to expand your education.
The Suburbs
Do you like the idea of a big city but not the reality? We get that. The big city is not for everyone.
However, there are tons of suburbs all around Los Angeles that will make you feel like you’re outside the city. However, you’ll still have the ability to enjoy what the city has to offer.
Living in a Los Angeles suburb allows you to escape from the city while maintaining close proximity for outings, work, and more.
Diversity
Los Angeles is a diverse area. You’ll find a ton of diversity in Los Angeles. It’s was actually rated the most diverse city in the United States in 2015.
There are many benefits to living in diverse areas.
More Lifestyle Options
When you live somewhere where everyone is the same, it makes it difficult to stand out and be unique. Living in a culturally diverse city gives you options.
You can spend your time, eat, and wear what works for you. You will encounter people who are against you even in culturally diverse cities. However, having people who understand you and support your choices can help.
Tolerance and Open-Mindedness
In more culturally diverse areas, you tend to see more open-mindedness and tolerance. These values in a diverse area help society thrive.
More Creativity
One great thing to learn in life is that having different thoughts and opinions is excellent. In fact, it’s a good thing for society.
Bringing together different minds can help to create unique solutions for communities. By being tolerant and open-minded, you can allow for the many voices within your community.
The Celebrities and Movie Industry
Even if you claim not to be starstruck, it’s okay if you get a little excited when you see someone famous (just respect their privacy). There are not many better places than Los Angeles for star sightings.
Even if you don’t work in the film industry, it’s likely you will know someone who does or know someone who knows someone who does.
Los Angeles is also a great place to live if you decide that you want to work within the film industry. Whether you want to be on camera or behind the camera, this is where you need to be.
Self-Care in Los Angeles
It doesn’t matter where you live; you need time to take care of yourself. Yes, there’s a ton of places where you can get your retail therapy on; however, if you prefer different forms of self-care, Los Angeles has the answer.
Los Angeles is great in that it’s a community that encourages healthy living. You’ll find many opportunities for self-care in this vast city.
Biking
Maybe your style of self-care is a long bike ride. You can head down to the Pacific Coast Highway and have some time to be quiet and relax while seeing gorgeous views.
If your self-care includes a little more of a challenge, there are a ton of bike paths you can hit up in the Los Angeles area, including some paths that are a little more advanced.
Yoga
If you prefer the downward dog to biking downhill, you won’t run out of options when living in Los Angeles. There are yoga studios all over the city.
You might even be able to find those goat or puppy yoga classes you’ve been looking for.
Marijuana
If your version of self-care involves marijuana to help you calm and chill, you can do that in Los Angeles. In California, you can buy marijuana recreationally or with a prescription.
Beauty
If you’re looking for a day of mani-pedis or relaxing at the spa, there are many possibilities in Los Angeles. You’ll get some time to relax and breathe and treat yourself with the many options when you live in Los Angeles.
The LAX
Do you love to travel? When you fly out from the LAX, there are tons of places you can go without having to worry about transfer flights.
LAX is the second largest airport in the United States, making it a travel hub. When you’re traveling often for work or pleasure, why not make it easy.
Art and Culture in Los Angeles
If you’re looking for art and culture, you’ll find it in spades in Los Angeles. You can go to the opera, listen to the Philharmonic orchestra, go to the theatre, or go to an art museum in Los Angeles.
There are many opportunities to experience and see the art within Los Angeles. Just wandering around the city, you will see art everywhere.
Family Fun for All Ages
If you’re moving with your family, don’t worry. You will never run out of family fun activities to do in Los Angeles.
One thing you may want to do is visit the Santa Monica Pier. Here you can grab some pizza, ride the Ferris wheel, and spend quality time with your family that will create essential memories for your children.
The Vibe in Los Angeles
Los Angeles has a different vibe. People tend to be more relaxed and casual in California.
Jeans, flip-flops, and a t-shirt are commonly seen. In the winter, a hoodie might get added to complete the look.
However, don’t worry, even though it’s more laid back, there is still a lot of fashion. There are plenty of opportunities to dress up and look great.
Start Your Move to Los Angeles
Are you ready to start your move to Los Angeles? Los Angeles is an amazing place to live. The food, art, music, and entertainment scene are unparalleled.
Whatever you love, you’ll find it in Los Angeles. Are you already packing your boxes?
Move Central is here to support you. We offer local moving, long-distance moving, and more. Contact us today to find out how we can support you on your move.